The kinetics of the early stages of oxidation of freshly generated iron surfaces in aqueous solutions are presented. The results show that at potentials below the Fe/Fe(II) reversible potential, iron oxidizes by random oxidation of exposed metal atoms to produce a monolayer of adsorbed FeOH. At potentials above the Fe/Fe(II) reversible potential, formation of the first monolayer of Fe(II) oxide also occurs by random oxidation of exposed metal atoms. There is no evidence for separate nucleation and two-dimensional growth steps participating in these mechanisms.

Subject
Monolayers, Metal surfaces, Iron, Anode surfaces, Density, Acidity, Current densities, Mixed potential, Electrochemical potential, Electrodes, Electrolytes, Electrode potential, Oxidation
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1983
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